How to Peel an Onion Quickly

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Few people enjoy peeling onions, especially not when the tears start to fall. To get around this, try one of the following ways to cut and peel any sized onion in seconds!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Peeling with a Vertical Slice

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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Peel an Onion Quickly
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Peel an Onion Quickly
    [1]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Peel an Onion Quickly
    Rinsing also reduces the residue that causes your eyes to water when handling onions. [2]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Peel an Onion Quickly
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Peel an Onion Quickly
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Peeling by Applying Heat

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    Cut off the unusable parts (top and bottom).
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    Hold the skin side against the base of the warming frying pan.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Peel an Onion Quickly
    Lift the onion right and you'll be able easily pull off the skin.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Do you need to remove the first layer of onion after the papery portion?
    Community Answer
    No, it is edible but may be a bit tougher than the rest of the onion.
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  • Question
    How does peeling an onion hurt the eyes?
    Community Answer
    Peeling or cutting an onion produces sulfuric acid, which burns the eyes and stimulates the tear glands.
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  • Question
    How long would it take to peel an onion?
    Community Answer
    No more than a minute, depending on the type of onion and how thick the skin is, it could take a little less or more time.
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      Tips

      • If you don't want to cut onion in halves, make a single shallow cut from top to bottom, just enough to slide the knife tip in and lift off the topmost layer to peel it off.
        Thanks
      • If you wear goggles (used by swimmers) you do not have to cry while cutting onions in pieces... it looks silly, but it helps!
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      • You can also chew gum or put a piece of bread in your mouth so it is visible to prevent crying.
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      Warnings

      • Always wash fruits and vegetables before you cut them to prevent dragging whatever is on the skin through the food along the knife blade.
        Thanks
      • Use a non-serrated knife: a serrated knife will twist in the onion as it cuts, and create uneven slices, and if you're not careful, injure you!
        Thanks
      • If possible, use a separate cutting board for each of the following: raw meats, poultry, cooked foods, seafood, fruit and vegetables, and dairy, to avoid cross-contamination (for example, bacteria found in raw meat juices can contaminate vegetables, if you use the same board). After each use, scrub the cutting board with hot, soapy water.
        Thanks
      • Always use care when using kitchen knives to avoid cutting yourself.
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      • Washing your hands under cold running water while rubbing the stainless steel of your faucet or sink after slicing an onion (or garlic) will remove the scent from your fingers. [3]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/preparation/chop-peel-onion
      2. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/tested-the-best-tear-free-tricks-for-cutting-onions-476088845
      3. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eliminating-garlic-smell_n_1341413

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To peel an onion quickly, start by cutting it in half vertically. Then, place the halves cut-side down and cut off the tops and bottoms. Finally, peel off the top layer of each onion half. If there's any leftover residue from the peel, run the onions under cold water to rinse it off. To learn how to peel an onion quickly using heat, scroll down!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Apr 21, 2018

        "Rinsing the cut onion under running water so it doesn't sting your eyes."
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